Using bass wood eggs the size of a hen egg offers another medium for carving whimsical carvings that can be used as ornaments or free standing novelties. Carving wooden eggs presents a challenge because the surface is rounded with an egg shape but the challenge is offset by the uniqueness of the finished carving.  The Gallery of Whittle Folk Eggs shows a variety of themes to be carved with Santa being the most popular.

The layout for the design of the egg is to first divide the egg into thirds with horizontal lines.  The upper line represents the shoulder line while the bottom line represents the waist.  There is no attempt to design and carve legs on these egg carvings, rather only the upper torso.

Beginning at the top or small end of the egg, draw a vertical line down the front of the egg to the flat bottom and another vertical line down the back  of the egg down to the flat bottom.  These two lines represent the center line of the egg, front and back.

Next draw a vertical line from the top of the egg down each side stopping at the bottom or second horizontal line.  These lines are the center line for the sides of the egg.

The next three photos show variations in theme as the carver’s imagination experiments with facial expressions, posture and clothing.  That is what makes carving both a challenge and rewarding at the same time by not carving the same old thing over and over again.  Variety, the spice of life, is what keeps carving interesting and the carver sharp on the cutting edge of creativity.